My illustration, “Louis and the Beluga” is currently on display as a part of the CANSCAIP Art Show 2023.

This artwork was inspired by my friend’s son, Louis. It is also a shoutout to the times during Covid where the empty aquariums provided the opportunity for two specifies to come together that would not normally cross paths in the wild. This includes Wellington, the 32-year-old Rockhopper penguin at the Chicago Aquarium, who got a chance to visit the beluga whales (who were very fascinated to see him as well). See their cute encounter HERE

The CANSCAIP art show features artwork by illustrator Members and Friends of CANSCAIP, and was displayed via slide show at CANSCAIP’s Packaging Your Imagination conference in October 2023. To view the show, visit www.canscaip.org or you can watch the slide show on their YouTube channel.

NOVEMBER 26, 2020

How many layers does it take to create one of my illustrations?…

For Goldie Swamp, it took 44. Just right.

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The many layers used when creating Goldie Swamp allow me to build texture, shadows, highlights, veils, play with colour, and composition. This process begins with the original pen and pencil line work to the many layers in Photoshop that bring me to my final illustration. I can’t say I always use this many layers, but with Goldie it had to be perfect.

Goldie Swamp captures a scene from a children’s book story I have written, by the same name. To watch a quick video, with all the layers, visit my Instagram (and follow me! :)) @hollymain02

Goldie Swamp, is currently on display as part of the CANSCAIP Virtual Art Show which launched on October 24th, as a part of the CANSCAIP Packaging Your Imagination Conference. The Art Show consists of illustrations by 49 published, and aspiring, children’s book illustrators. 

See the full art show by visiting www.canscaip.org/PYI-Art-Show-2020

APRIL 26, 2020

I love going for walks in my neighbourhood. These past few weeks it’s been so helpful in getting fresh air and exercise and the fun playful sightings along the way always make me smile… A stuffed tiger in a tree, a bike rack named Rick the Rack and these tearable puns (I even crossed the street to take one).

PUN OF THE DAY:   The invisible man married the invisible woman but their kids were nothing to look at…

More tearable puns (and even downloadable pun posters) can be found at tearablepuns.org